"The importance of an event like this is that it brings out the community to celebrate together and gets everyone in the mood for the holiday season," Falberg said.

More than a dozen Highwood bars and restaurants were challenged to create a drinkable homage to the Twelve Days of Christmas for an event aptly dubbed the "12 Drinks of Christmas." Adults sampled the holiday concoctions in a market setting in front of City Hall.

"Everyone in the Highwood community and beyond, as well as the servicemen and women stationed in nearby Naval Station Great Lakes and Fort Sheridan Reserve, are invited to explore and support the local businesses of Highwood on this festive occasion," said Julie Brugioni, president of the Highwood Chamber of Commerce.

In the spirit of giving, St. James Church collected non-perishable food items and Marines were also on site collecting new toys for the centennial anniversary of the Toys For Tots program.

The day's activities culminated with the lighting of Downtown Highwood and the Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony, followed by a live performance by TPS Remixed, an a cappella group form Highwood's Performer's School.